So, what does Neepawa get? Details on the actual celebration have yet to be worked out, but the town can expect a formal ceremony to mark the province’s 140th birthday and a celebration which will include a concert by an award-winning Manitoba group.

“We were truly impressed with the response to our contest,” said Kevin Walters, Executive Director, Manitoba Homecoming. “We started this contest in February and challenged all communities, cities, and municipalities throughout the province to nominate their city or town and tell us why they should host the birthday celebration. We received 23 enthusiastic entries from all across Manitoba and had a panel of judges narrow it down to these top five towns.”

Walters added it was a close race which has once again demonstrated the community spirit within our province.

Don’t forget about La Broquerie, La Salle, Morden and Thompson — each town will receive a Manitoba Homecoming grant to be used towards the planning of a Homecoming event in 2010.